Willie Watson’s self-titled release marks a compelling new chapter in the career of a musician who has spent decades carving a unique path through the Americana and folk landscapes. As a founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show and a frequent collaborator with Americana legends like Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, and John Prine, Watson has long been known for his deep connection to traditional music. However, this album—his first featuring original material—reveals an equally potent talent for songwriting, offering a rich blend of timeless authenticity and personal storytelling.
While Watson has built his reputation on revitalizing old-time songs, this record balances his well-honed skills as an interpreter with a fresh creative voice. The album opens with “Slim and the Devil,” a driving, banjo-accented adaptation of Sterling A. Brown’s poem Slim Greer in Hell. It’s a fiery start, blending biting social commentary with Watson’s trademark grit. Traditional tracks like the haunting “Mole in the Ground” and the poignant “Harris and the Mare” serve as high points, underscoring Watson’s ability to inhabit these songs as if they were his own.
The album’s original compositions, many co-written with Morgan Nagler, stand out as its emotional core. “Real Love,” a heartfelt ballad dedicated to his wife, glows with vulnerability and the warmth of newfound clarity, while the reflective “Already Gone” captures the bittersweet interplay of loss and resilience. Both tracks showcase the influence of Watson’s past collaborators, borrowing the raw simplicity and acoustic elegance often associated with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.
One of the most striking pieces is the nearly nine-minute closer, “Reap ’Em in the Valley.” This sprawling, narrative-rich track weaves together personal memories and spiritual musings, offering an introspective look at Watson’s journey from rural beginnings to the present day. Its blend of spoken word and song creates a moving finale that feels like a summation of his artistic ethos: rooted in the past but alive with contemporary resonance.
Aiding Watson on this journey is an exceptional lineup of musicians, including Paul Kowert and Gabe Witcher of Punch Brothers, Milk Carton Kids’ Kenneth Pattengale, and fiddler Sami Braman. With Witcher and Pattengale at the production helm, the arrangements feel both spare and expansive, allowing Watson’s soulful vocals and deft guitar work to shine.
At its heart, Willie Watson is a record about balance—between tradition and innovation, past and present, simplicity and depth. It’s a captivating collection that not only honors Watson’s roots in folk music but also redefines him as a storyteller with a voice all his own. With this album, he has crafted a timeless work that is as intimate as it is universal. – Jason Felton